Princess Mary stuns in regal velvet gown just days after returning to Denmark

It feels like only yesterday Princess Mary was frolicking around on the beach and looking relaxed and casual in Byron Bay.

But it seems our own Royal has very discreetly gone home to Denmark just in time to attend the annual new year banquet.

The red carpet was rolled out for the Danish royal family on Friday as they arrived for the New Year reception at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen.

Mary stunned in a midnight blue velvet floor-length gown as she arrived arm-in-arm with her husband, Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik.

Her dress was adorned with sequins and gold detailing, and she wore her Knight of the Order of the Elephant collar to top off her regal outfit.

Her hair was pulled back in an elegant bun,with her customary tiara shining on top, a complete contrast to the stripped back look we’d seen over Christmas.

Prince Frederik’s parents Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik hosted the VIP gala and waved to the waiting crowds as they made their way inside.

The Danish royal family enjoyed a relatively paparazzi holiday in Australia, with few official photos of Mary, Frederik and their four children published.

Take a look at Mary in her stunning gown and tell us your thoughts below.

Princess Mary returns to Denmark for New Year celebrations following Aussie holiday https://t.co/SmhaKVfZOg pic.twitter.com/dsO672SUoX

— Daily Mail Australia (@DailyMailAU) January 2, 2016

Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik arriving at the New Years banquet pic.twitter.com/489K3HQDBL

— Royaltyspeaking (@Royal_talk) January 2, 2016

Crown Princess Mary tonight at the new year reception 2016 pic.twitter.com/5j6rEMrwL9

— Patrick van Katwijk (@Patrickvkatwijk) January 1, 2016